| Wendy Palmer's professional basketball career has been filled with its share of highs and lows. Like a boxer who keeps getting knocked down, Palmer, a forward for the WNBA's Connecticut Sun, keeps getting up and coming back for more. Palmer has undergone nine surgeries and could have given up many times in the past. It has been her trust in God's promises that has kept her focused during her comebacks.
"There were times when doctors pretty much gave up on me and said I needed to stick to school and really work on that," said Palmer. "But I knew that God was God and He was not going to let me down. This was a God-given gift and I knew He didn't bring me this far to leave me. He's brought me through it all."
Palmer, voted to the Eastern Conference roster for the 2000 WNBA All Star game, has relied on her faith in Christ to overcome more than physical setbacks. While it appears to many that the life of a pro basketball player is glamorous; Palmer also sees the potential roadblocks that can ruin a players life - both personally and professionally.
"It's so hard being on the road, playing basketball," said Palmer. "So many temptations come your way but you have to stay strong and fight them and know that this is a test. And if you don't pass this test you will repeat that test. It might not come out as happy as you want it to the next time."
When Palmer embarks on yet another road trip and forgoes the comforts of her home church, family and friends, it requires a strong commitment for her to stay focused on her walk with Christ. Sharing His goodness with others - especially when she may not be able to get the support she would like from her teammates - has its own share of challenges.
"You definitely have to be a light in your corner no matter where you are," said Palmer. "I've found that difficult at times when you may be the only light to shine on your team or whatever situation you're in. There are a lot of times when you just want to give up but you just have to keep going, because He (Jesus) said it would be hard for us."
A former All-American at the University of Virginia and the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year in 1995, Palmer is continually trying to draw nearer to God. When she does not handle situations quite as well as she would like, Palmer knows about His forgiveness.
"I know that there's a God and God forgives everything," said Palmer. "No matter what you've done in the past He forgives you if you will just seek Him. I think we all fall short of the grace of God (Romans 3:23) in our lives. I'm not where I want to be but I'm definitely not where I was. I'm moving. God is definitely working in my life in the things that I'm going through."
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